Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or several days a week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab alternative.